Fresh Foam X Garoé v2

The Hierro v9 is a solid bridge if you already love the Fresh Foam feel. It handles gravel roads and easy singletrack perfectly fine without feeling like a brick on the pavement. You won't feel like you're losing much transition from your 1080s.  Skip the Garoe. It’s a lower-tier shoe with a much firmer, cheaper foam that won't give you the comfort you're used to in the 1080. If you like plush, stay in the Hierro lane.  Don't worry about needing less foam yet. Beginner trails are often more taxing on the body than you expect because of the constant micro-adjustments in your feet and ankles. That extra cushioning helps when your form starts to break down toward the end of a long run. Salomon can be polarizing because they tend to be narrower and firmer, so sticking with a brand that fits your foot shape is the right call for now. Once you start getting into more specific vert for that half marathon, having a plan that accounts for the cumulative fatigue of trail miles helps too, which is actually what Trailia was built for. Just keep it simple and focus on getting comfortable on dirt.

Trail runners work for this purpose, have used it for that purpose. I like New Balance Hierro or Garoé series.

I currently use new balance garoe, previous ones were fuel cell. As with all new balance you wear them in and not wear them out. Perfect trail grip too.

Bit lower budget but can't complain at NB Fresh Foam Garoé.

New Balance 4e (x-wide), Dynasoft Nitrel v6 Gore-Tex trail runners.

New balance makes some 4e trail runners . I have used the fresh foam more trail version though I don’t see that available now, not sure if it’s coming back. I haven’t tried the hierro, but if the fresh foam more doesn’t come back in the next few months that’s what I will try. I haven’t found the Alta’s wide enough for me. I’ve had little luck with any kind runners, trail or road if a 4e version isnt available.

Do not do this with plantar fasciitis. Get a shoe with a high stack like the hola speedgoats or the NB fresh foam. PF is not something to mess around with because it will end your hike in a way that nothing else can by making every step agony.

Love this shoe! I wore New Balance More Trail's for years and have recently made the switch. They are so light for how much cushion they offer.